Vehicle control and communication via device in proximity

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled Wireless Device With AnAggregate User Interface For Controlling Other Devices, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D.Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors, USAN: Ser. No.11/389,669, filed Mar. 24, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,725,077.2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of currently co-pendingUnited States patent application entitled Vehicle Control andCommunication Via Device in Proximity, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, RoyceA. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., andLowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors, USAN: Ser. No. 11/414,161, filed Apr.28, 2006.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as setforth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not tobe construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the methodincludes but is not limited to making a determination that a firstdevice associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device,transmitting a signal from the first device to the wireless device tocause the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle,and performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based at leastin part on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other methodaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a partof the present disclosure.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting theherein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming canbe virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmwareconfigured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending uponthe design choices of the system designer.

An embodiment provides a computer program product. In oneimplementation, the computer program product includes but is not limitedto a signal-bearing medium bearing at least one of one or moreinstructions for making a determination that a first device associatedwith a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, the signal-bearingmedium bearing at least one of one or more instructions for transmittinga signal from the first device to the wireless device to cause thewireless device to display information related to the vehicle, and thesignal bearing medium bearing at least one of one or more instructionsfor performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based at leastin part on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, othercomputer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a system. In one implementation, the systemincludes but is not limited to a computing device and instructions. Theinstructions when executed on the computing device cause the computingdevice to make a determination that a first device associated with avehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, transmit a signal from thefirst device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device todisplay information related to the vehicle, and perform an operationwith respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in theclaims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a device. In one implementation, the deviceincludes but is not limited to a device configured to make adetermination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device, a signal configured to be transmittedfrom the first device to the wireless device to cause the wirelessdevice to display information related to the vehicle, and an operationconfigured to be performed with respect to the vehicle based at least inpart on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other deviceaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a partof the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/orother subject matter described herein will become apparent in theteachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of vehicle control and communication via adevice in proximity in which embodiments may be implemented, perhaps ina device.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehiclecontrol and communication via a device in proximity of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehiclecontrol and communication via a device in proximity of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial view of an example computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented.

The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless device 100 in which embodimentsmay be implemented. A wireless device 100 may include a display system153 for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface155, which may include a menu 156. Wireless device 100 may also includea controller 160 for providing overall control of wireless device 100, a(wireless) transceiver 157 to transmit (send) and receive signals,determination logic 154 for making various determinations, and automaticinvocation system 198 for automatically invoking “default” operationswith minimal or, in some cases, no user interaction, for example.Controller 160 may be, for example, a programmed controller ormicroprocessor, and may include hardware, software, and/or a combinationof hardware and software, for example. Controller 160 may include, forexample, a processor, memory, input and output, and other hardware,software, and/or firmware generally associated with a general purposecomputing device. An input system 159 may include a keyboard, keypad,pointing device (e.g., mouse, pointing stick), biometric identifier,button, toggle switch, or other input device that, for example, may beused by a user to input information to wireless device 100. Input System159 may include non-default actions 199 which may be, for example,button or key presses, or the like that may be used to indicate that anon-default action should be invoked.

Wireless device 100 may also include or store proximity information 158relating to one or more first devices 101. Proximity information 158 mayprovide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness orproximity of one or more first devices 101 to the wireless device 100.For example, proximity information 158 may identify a location of eachof the first devices 101, identify a distance (e.g., from wirelessdevice 100) to one of first devices 101, or may provide a list of whichdevices are in proximity (e.g., near or within a predetermined distance)to wireless device 100, and/or may identify which of the first devices101 are closest to wireless device 100, identify one of the firstdevices 101 that has been touched by wireless device 100, etc.

Wireless device 100 may be in proximity to or near one or more firstdevices 101. First devices 101 may include, for example, home audio andvideo related systems 110, vehicle related systems 120, banking andfinancial related systems 130, and other systems 140 (in someimplementations, banking and financial related systems, and othersystems 104, may be integrated into and/or with one or more vehicles).Other systems 140 may include a variety of other example wirelessdevices, such as a printer, television, and satellite receiver, shownhere, as well as other devices such as a camera, personal computer,photo frame, personal digital assistant (PDA), or any number of firstdevices that may establish a wireless network connection or link withanother device. Each of the first devices 101 may include a controller,a wireless transceiver, automatic invocation systems, determination orother logic, etc., as shown for wireless device 100. Each of the firstdevices 101 may include one or more operations 111, 121, and 131, whichmay be performed on or with respect to such first devices 101, and suchoperations are not shown with respect to other systems 140, but they areincluded in those systems as well.

First devices 101 shown in FIG. 1 provide several examples of devicesbut it is not an exhaustive list, and may also include any device orpart of a device with a wireless capability (e.g., including a vehicleor car itself, or a part of the vehicle, for example). Each of the firstdevices may be a wireless device. Alternatively, each of the firstdevices 101 may not be “wireless” or “wireless capable”, but may operateor work though an intermediary wireless device (not shown) in order tocommunicate wirelessly with wireless device 100.

The wireless device 100 may be controlled by a user 104, for instance,to control one or more of the first devices 101, which are in proximity106 to wireless device 100 or nearby wireless device 100. According toan example embodiment, proximity 106 may refer to an area that is nearor in proximity to wireless device 100. Thus, the various first devices101 may be in proximity or near wireless device 100.

In operation, the wireless device 100 may be used, for example, tocontrol one or more first devices 101 using a variety of differenttechniques. When a first device is within proximity 106 or near wirelessdevice 100, wireless device 100 may establish a wireless link orwireless network connection with the first device, e.g., via (wireless)transceiver 157. For example, by establishing a wireless link andcommunicating information with a first device, wireless device 100 maydetermine or make a determination that the first device is in proximityto wireless device 100. Alternatively, wireless device 100 may determinethat a first device is in proximity to wireless device 100 based on atouching or contact between the device 100 and the first device 101(e.g., wireless device 100 touches a “hot spot” or designated area forthe first device). Similarly, a first device 101 may determine that itis in proximity or near to wireless device 100, e.g., either through awireless communication link that is established with wireless device 100and/or via contact to wireless device 100, for example.

According to an example embodiment, one of the first devices 101 and thewireless device 100 may establish a wireless connection or wireless linkand may exchange data when the two devices are near each other or withina maximum distance, e.g., when the first device is within proximity 106or near wireless device 100. For example, when a user carrying wirelessdevice 100 (or other device) moves toward the area generally indicatedas proximity 106 in FIG. 1, he begins to make closure with (or movenearer to) the proximity 106. At this point the wireless device 100, thefirst devices 101, or a combination of both may make a determinationthat the wireless device 100 is in proximity to one or more of the firstdevices 101.

Once one or more of the first devices 101 are in proximity (e.g., nearor touching) to wireless device 100, a wireless connection or link maybe established, for instance using transceiver 157 and similartransceivers on the first devices 101. A variety of information may thenbe exchanged between the devices, and one or more actions or operationsmay be performed on the wireless device 100, e.g., either as defaultactions (via automatic invocation system 198), or as non-default actions199 upon a user selection, for instance.

According to an example embodiment, wireless device 100 may determine auser interface 155, e.g., based on a determination that one or morefirst devices 101 are in proximity or near wireless device 100 or basedon a determination that one or more of the first devices 101 haveoperations that are of particular use to the user 104, or both, asexamples. In an example embodiment, the user interface 155 may beprovided or displayed on display system 153 of wireless device 100, forexample.

The user interface 155 may, for example, be a user interface that mayprovide an aggregate or cumulative interface providing one or moreinformation elements related to one or more devices. For example, theuser interface may include a list of operations associated with one ormore devices that may be in proximity to wireless device 100, or a menu156 of elements or operations for each of a plurality of first devices101 in proximity. The user interface 155 may change or be updated basedon changing environment, e.g., a new set of operations displayed as newwireless devices come into proximity, etc. The user interface 155 may becontinually updated by sorting a list of first devices 101 in proximity106, e.g., ordered by distance and changing the output to display system153. This updating of the user interface 155 may be performed, forexample, in part using determination logic 154 and controller 160, alongwith proximity information 158 associated with each first device.However, user interface 155 may also be centrally determined, ordetermined by an “observer” component (not shown) removed from thewireless device 100, or alternatively on one or more of the firstdevices 101.

A number of examples will now be provided, and these are onlyillustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In oneexample, the user 104 may carry wireless device 100 and move toward acamera in the area generally indicated as proximity 106 (being inproximity to various first devices 101), the camera having a particularphoto or image displayed thereon. In an example, if the user 104 isholding a wireless device 100 comprising a cellular phone with aparticular contact selected, automatic invocation system 198 of thecamera may send or wirelessly transmit the photo to the cellular phone,where the photo may be stored with or associated with the contact on thecellular phone. For example, this may be done automatically, e.g.,without direct interaction from the user 104 other than to move towardone of the first devices 101 in the above-described state.

In another example, the user 104 with a PDA type wireless device 100 maymove toward a printer in other systems 140, in the area generallyindicated as proximity 106 (thus, the two devices are in proximity). Theprinter may detect the PDA wireless device and determine that thedevices are in proximity (e.g., wireless detection or contact) and mayprint a document displayed on the PDA. Alternatively, or in addition, auser 104 may use the input system 159 to provide additional input, e.g.,by tapping on input system 159, or selecting a key, or by reorientingthe wireless device 100 (e.g., PDA in this example) to present a printdialog on the PDA or select a specific action to be performed.

When an MP3 player style wireless device 100 is brought into proximity106 with a PC in first devices 101, a menu 156 may be presented on theMP3 player with options, for example, to sync, begin playing the currentsong on the PC, transfer the user interface of the MP3 player (in itscurrent state) to the PC. After a brief pause (if none of these isexplicitly selected) automatic invocation system 198 may cause the MP3player to stop playing and have the PC take over playing the currentsong.

Tapping, gesturing, or reorienting a camera style wireless device 100when it is in proximity 106 to a digital photo frame in first devices101 may cause automatic invocation system 198 to put a suitablytransformed, current viewfinder image to the photo frame. Doubletapping, represented by non-default actions 199, may be used to put theentire contents of the camera, a slideshow, and/or a menu 156 oftransition effects choices on the camera style wireless device 100.

Another example may occur when the user 104 is carrying wireless device100 and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity 106.Automatic invocation system 198 may cause the display system 153 topresent a menu 156 of operations supported by one or more of the firstdevices 101 that are in proximity 106. The menu 156 may be used tooperate the first devices 101. For example, each of the first devices101 are indicated as having operations 111, 121, and 131 that may beperformed on them. The menu 156 may be a list of these operations andselecting one of them sends a command to the first devices 101 andcauses one of the first devices 101 to otherwise execute the command.

Another example occurs when the user 104 is carrying wireless device 100and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity 106. Thewireless device 100 automatically connects to a DVD in home audio andvideo related systems 110 and then to a CD player in home audio andvideo related systems 110 and then to a game system, such as an Xbox orPlaystation, which may be used to determine and/or provide a userinterface 155 presenting a collected user interface for all the devicesin home audio and video related systems 110. The user interface 155 maythen be used to operate all of the devices in home audio and videorelated systems 110. For example, a menu 156 may be provided with a“Play” operation 111 with a submenu “Play Music, Play DVD” each of whichhas submenus, (i.e., On Xbox, On CD player). This user interface 155and/or menu 156 may also vanish or disappear from display system 153after a fixed time unless the user 104 asks to keep it, for example.

If the wireless device 100 is in proximity 106 to a TV in other systems140, automatic invocation system 198 may be used to turn on to the showthat user 104 has scheduled in his calendar for this time. If no defaultaction is available (i.e., the user 104 has no calendar entry), theviewing history or preferences of the user 104 may be used to select achannel, if viewing history and/or preferences cannot be used, thesystem may turn on the TV as usual. Alternatively, if user 104 has a webbrowser application executing on the wireless device 100 and the webbrowser is pointed to the URL for CNN, for example, the TV may be tunedto CNN as well.

In another example, the user 104 moves toward proximity 106 with aplurality of first devices 101. If, for example, the user 104 uses thenon-default actions 199 of input system 159 to activate an “availableactions” button, a list of the first devices 101 present theiroperations to wireless device 100 at display system 153.

First devices 101 may also indicate what direction user 104 needs towalk to approach a particular device, using at least proximityinformation 158. As the user 104 gets closer to some and farther fromothers of the first devices 101 and their operations 111, 121, and 131reorder themselves on the user interface 155, e.g., closest devices atthe top, until the user 104 get very close at which point the optionsfor only one (the closest) of the first devices 101 is presented on theuser interface 155 on display system 153. Thus, the user interface 155may be continually updated using at least determination logic 154 andproximity information 158 in wireless device 100. Finally, a user 104 ofthe device 100 may cause to invoke a default or non-default action (forinstance by gesturing, tilting the wireless device, or otherwiseindicating a default or non-default action should occur depending on theoperations available).

In another example, the wireless device 100 may make a determinationabout the locations of the first devices 101. The locations may becommunicated, e.g., from the first devices 101, to a central device (notshown) that may compute proximities and transmit to the wireless device100, or also to one or more of the first devices 101. One or more of thefirst devices 101 may also use the location of the wireless device 100to transmit its proximity 106 or location to it. In this example, thefirst devices 101 might not transmit proximity 106 or locationinformation at all, but instead decide for itself what commands, itwants to transmit to the wireless device 100. Alternatively, some firstdevices 101 might, in addition to transmitting enough locationinformation for the wireless device 100 to determine proximity 106, alsotransmit specific information (such as subsets of options or commands)based on the determination of proximity 106 from the first devices 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the wirelessdevice 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless device 100,including a display system 153, a user interface 155, and a plurality ofmenus 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210. Menus 200-210 may correspond,for instance to menu 156 of FIG. 1.

Menu 200 comprises a list of the first devices 101 that are in proximitywith wireless device 100. In this example that includes an audio system,a printer, a TV, a camera, a video satellite receiver, an airconditioner, the living room lighting, and a refrigerator. In thisexample, the audio system is the closest one of the first devices 101,so its operations are shown in menu 202, which include in this example,“play song”, “download audio file”, “select radio station”, and “adjustvolume”.

Menus 204 and 206 are also shown on the user interface 155. Menu 204includes the first devices 101 that are near but not yet in proximity106 with a user's wireless device 100. In this example, the user 104 iswalking toward a garage. As the user 104 walks, the garage lighting andthe user's Honda Civic are nearly in proximity 106, and represent firstdevices 101 that will soon probably be available and within proximity106. The garage lighting and Honda Civic are listed in menu 204. Theclosest, default, and/or first device 101 deemed relatively important islisted in menu 206, which is the user's Honda Civic. The user's behaviorpatterns may have indicated to the wireless device 100 that the HondaCivic is relatively important, or the user may have specified thatinformation explicitly to wireless device 100, or alternatively menu 206may be based on proximity 106, by listing the deemed closest firstdevice 101 as in menu 202.

Menu 208 gives an example of a list that may form part of the userinterface 155, showing the access restrictions for devices that are inproximity 106. In this case, the printer, TV, and camera are restricted,while the air conditioner and refrigerator are available for use. Menu210 shows first device ownership. In menu 210, Dad owns the printer andmom owns the TV. The camera is owned by Johnny, and the wireless networkand refrigerator have unspecified ownership and/or are deemed to beowned by anyone capable of establishing a connection with them using awireless device 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless device 300 in which embodimentsmay be implemented. Alternatively, wireless device 300 may be similar toor even the same as wireless device 100 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 3, wireless device 300 may include a display system153 for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface155, which may include a menu 156. Wireless device 300 may also includea controller 160 for providing overall control of wireless device 300, acommunication device 348, which includes a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag 302 with an antenna 340 and/or an RFID reader304 with an antenna 342, to transmit (send) and receive signals withother devices that communicate via RFID, determination logic 154 formaking various determinations, and automatic invocation system 198 forautomatically invoking operations with minimal or, in some cases, nouser interaction, for example. Input System 159 may include non-defaultactions 199 which may be, for example, button or key presses, or thelike that may be used to indicate that a non-default action should beinvoked by the wireless device 300 or by another device.

Wireless device 300 may also include or store proximity information 158relating to one or more first devices 101. Proximity information 158 mayprovide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness orproximity of one or more of the first devices 101 to the wireless device300.

First devices 101 may include a first device 301 shown in FIG. 3. Firstdevice 301 may be associated with a vehicle 330. Vehicle 330 may be anytype of vehicle, such as an automobile (e.g., car, truck, bus),locomotive, plane, or other vehicle. First device 301 may includevehicle related systems 120, which may include one or more of aninformation system 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heatingand/or air conditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, anavigation system 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, adriver settings system 352, a security system 320, a communicationsystem 349, and a user customization system 350, for performingoperations with respect to the vehicle 330. First device 301 mayoptionally include a display 355 for displaying information and/or aninput device 354 for receiving input.

According to an example embodiment, first device 301 may include acontroller 312 and a communication device 310. The communication device310 may include an RFID tag 308 with an antenna 336 and/or an RFIDreader 306 with an antenna 338. The RFID tag 308 further includes, atransponder 334 connected to circuitry 344. The RFID reader 306 furtherincludes energizer, demodulator, and decoder circuits 332 and circuits346. Communication devices 310 and 348 may each also include a wirelesstransceiver, such as transceiver 157 from FIG. 1. The communicationdevice 310 may be configured to transmit (send) and receive signals withother devices that communicate via RFID, according to an exampleembodiment.

In operation, communication devices 310 and 348, for example, may beused to establish a proximity related connection. For example, antenna338 or 342 may be used to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals in arelatively short range referred to generally as proximity 106. The RFradiation or transmission may provide a medium or technique forcommunicating with a transponder tag (RFID tag 302 or 308) and (in thecase of passive RFID tags) it may provide the RFID tag 302 or 308 withthe energy to communicate. This is helpful with respect to passive RFIDdevices; since passive RFID devices do not necessarily containbatteries, and can therefore remain usable for very long periods oftime.

The antennas 336, 338, 340, and 342 may be affixed to a surface or maybe handheld or removable, and may be a variety of different antennatypes. For example, the antennas 336, 338, 340 and/or 342 may be builtinto a door or configured inside a dashboard to accept data from personsor objects passing through or otherwise being within the proximity 106.

When an RFID tag 302 or 308 passes through the proximity 106 of one ofthe antennas 338 or 342, the RFID tag may detect an activation signalfrom the antenna 338 or 342. The activation signal may “wake up” theRFID tag 302 or 308, and the RFID tag may then transmit the informationon its microchip to be picked up by the antenna 338 or 342. In addition,the RFID tag 302 or 308 may, for example, be of one of two types. 1)Active RFID tags, which typically have their own power source. Anadvantage of active RFID tags is that the reader can be much fartheraway and still receive the signal, meaning the area referred to asproximity 106 may increase for such devices. However, such active RFIDdevices may periodically require new batteries and/or have limited lifespans. 2) Passive RFID tags, which typically do not require batteries,and can be much smaller and have a very long life span.

RFID tags 302 or 308 may be read in a wide variety of circumstances. Thetag need not be on the surface of the object (and is therefore notsubject to wear), the read time is typically less than 100 milliseconds,and large numbers of tags can be read at once rather than item by item.

The wireless device 300 may be controlled by a user 104, for instance,to control one or more of the first devices 101, which are in proximity106 to the wireless device 300 or nearby to the wireless device 300,such as first device 301. In the example of FIG. 3, wireless device 300may control first device 301, including any vehicle related systems 120within first device 301. For example, wireless device 300 may control orperform an operation with respect to one or more of an informationsystem 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heating and/or airconditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, a navigationsystem 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, a driver settingssystem 352, a security system 320, a communication system 349, and auser customization system 350, for performing operations with respect tothe vehicle. The above systems may be activated or controlled usingcontroller 312 in response to an explicit action by the user 104, eitherthrough the user interface 155 of the wireless device 300, or by theuser's motions and/or gestures, or implicitly in response to a defaultsituation where an action should be performed irrespective of the user'sexplicit actions. For example, a signal may be transmitted, either as adefault action or in response to user input, from wireless device 300 tofirst device 301 to perform an operation with respect to the vehicle orcontrol one of the vehicle related systems 120.

According to an example embodiment, proximity 106 may refer to an areathat is near or in proximity to the wireless device 300. Thus, thevarious first devices 101, such as first device 301, may be in proximityor near the wireless device 300. Proximity 106 may also be defined as arelative location, or distance between two devices (i.e., the wirelessdevice 300 and the first device 301), and includes changes in distancebetween the devices, such as rate of closure between the two devices.The rate of closure may be affected, for example, by gestures from theuser 104, (i.e., tilting a device, moving one device closer to anotherdevice, or sequences of changes that occur within proximity 106 overtime). Gesture-based actions within proximity 106 may be interpreted bythe wireless device 300 or the first device 301. In the example of FIG.3, the proximity 106 may include for instance, the range of antennas336, 338, 340, and 342, since an RFID communication device such ascommunication device 310 or 348 operates in the general range that theantennas 336, 338, 340, and 342 are capable of reliably transmitting andreceiving RF signals. Typically, this may be a fairly short range, butthe range may be increased if high-frequency devices are used.

According to an example embodiment, the first device 301 and thewireless device 300 may establish a wireless connection or wireless linkand may exchange data when the two devices are near each other or withina maximum distance, e.g., when the first device 301 is within proximity106 or near the wireless device 300. For example, when a user 104carrying the wireless device 300 (or other device) moves toward the areagenerally indicated as proximity 106 in FIG. 1, he begins to makeclosure with (or move nearer to) the proximity 106. At this point thewireless device 300, the first device 301, or a combination of both maymake a determination that the wireless device 300 is in proximity to thefirst device 301.

Once the first device 301 is in the proximity 106 of (e.g., near ortouching) the wireless device 300, a wireless connection or link may beestablished. A variety of information may then be exchanged between thedevices, and one or more actions or operations may be performed withrespect to one or more of an information system 314, an audio and/orvideo system 316, a heating and/or air conditioning system 318, alighting control system 322, a navigation system 324, a lock system 326,an ignition system 328, a driver settings system 352, a security system320, a communication system 349, and a user customization system 350,e.g., either as default actions (via automatic invocation system 198),or as non-default actions 199 upon a user selection, for instance.

According to an example embodiment, the wireless device 300 maydetermine a user interface 155, e.g., based on a determination that thefirst device 301 is in proximity or near wireless device 300 or based ona determination that the first device 301 has operations that are ofparticular use to the user 104, or both, as examples. In an exampleembodiment, the user interface 155 may be provided or displayed ondisplay system 153 of wireless device 300, for example.

In addition, first device 301 may also include an image capture device371 (e.g., a camera or other image capture device) to capture or detectan image. In an example embodiment, image capture device 371 may detectan image, such as an image of a user or wireless device 300 or otherobject. For example, image capture device 371 may detect a height orother physical characteristics of a user of wireless device 300, or maydetect a visual indicia on the wireless device 300 or user, etc. In anexample embodiment, controller 312 may determine that the first device301 is in proximity to wireless device 300 based on a signal from imagecapture device 371, such as a signal providing a captured image of adetected user or of wireless device 300, or a captured image of a visualindicia related to the user or the wireless device 300, for example.

A number of examples will now be provided, and these are onlyillustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In oneexample, the user 104 may carry the wireless device 300 so that awireless link or a contact is established with the first device 301,which in turn controls vehicle related systems 120. Automatic invocationsystem 198 may be used to actuate lock system 326 in order to unlock thevehicle by default, e.g., after the wireless device 300 comes intoproximity with the first device 301 (e.g., either through contact withthe first device 301 or by establishing a wireless link or communicationwith first device 301). Alternatively, pressing a button, for example,in non-default actions 199 may present a menu 156 with choices (unlock,adjust seats, unlock all, start engine, turn lights on, and openwindows, for example) on the wireless device 300. Walking away from thevehicle may cause the wireless device 300 to exit proximity 106, whichmay similarly invoke an action automatically via automatic invocationsystem 198, for example locking the vehicle (or otherwise performing adefault set of “leaving” operations that user 104 has set on thewireless device 300). This set of leaving actions may occur, e.g.,either in response to a user selection on input system 159, or may occurautomatically when the wireless device 300 determines that it is nolonger in proximity 106 to the first device 301 (or vice-versa) (e.g.,wireless device 300 is no longer contacting the first device 301,wireless device 300 is no longer near or in proximity to the firstdevice 301, wireless device 300 disconnects a wireless link to the firstdevice 301, or wireless device 300 is no longer associated with thefirst device 301).

The above system may operate with banking and financial related systems130, for example in the case of a vehicle rental activity by the user104. The wireless device 300 may be set by default to, e.g., viacommunication with first device 301, to not only unlock the vehicle 330and start the motor, for example, but it might also charge the user'scredit card the fee required to rent the vehicle 330 as well. Such userdata needed to complete the transaction may be stored in the wirelessdevice 300, or it may be known by the first device 301 or a third-partyintermediary device as well.

FIG. 4 illustrates an operational flow 400 representing exampleoperations related to vehicle control and communication via a device inproximity. In FIG. 4 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operational flows, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-3,and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it shouldbe understood that the operational flows may be executed in a number ofother environments and contexts, and/or in modified versions of FIGS.1-3. Also, although the various operational flows are presented in thesequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 400 moves to a makingoperation 410 where a determination is made that a first deviceassociated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, first device 301 may determine that it isin proximity to wireless device 300, for example, by communicationdevice 310 receiving and/or transmitting RFID signals with communicationdevice 348 of wireless device 300. For example, controller 312 of firstdevice 301 may determine that the first device 301 is in proximity towireless device 300 based on RFID signals received from wireless device300. Alternatively, wireless device 300 may determine that it is inproximity to first device 301.

Then, in a transmitting operation 420, a signal is transmitted from thefirst device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device todisplay information related to the vehicle. For example, communicationdevice 310 of first device 301 may transmit a signal to wireless device300 to cause wireless device 300 to display on display system 153information related to vehicle 330, such as, for example, a menu ofvehicle operations that may be performed on vehicle 330, or an operationthat has been performed on vehicle 330. For example, a signal may betransmitted from first device 301 to wireless device 300 to cause a userinterface 155 to be displayed on display system 153 of wireless device300. The user interface 155 may be displayed on display system 153,e.g., including a menu of operations that may be performed using thefirst device 301. In addition, display system 153 may include a userinterface 155 that may be performed in a variety of different ways, suchas shown and described in the examples of FIG. 1-3, including using amenu 156. Also, in response to the signal transmitted from the firstdevice 301, information may be displayed on display system 153 includinga plurality of operations that are available to the first device 301 viavehicle related systems 120. This displayed information may, forexample, combine or aggregate one or more operations into a single menuor a plurality of menus as a user interface 155 on display system 153 ofthe wireless device 300, for example.

Then, in a performing operation 430, an operation is performed withrespect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination. Forexample, an operation(s) may be performed related either to a local orremote transmission of the digital data, or to another type oftransmission. As discussed herein, in addition to accessing, querying,recalling, or otherwise obtaining the digital data for the performing,making, or determining operations, operations may be performed relatedto storing, sorting, identifying, associating, or otherwise archivingthe digital data to a memory, including, for example, sending and/orreceiving a transmission of the digital data from a remote memory.Accordingly, any such operation(s) may involve elements including atleast an operator (e.g., either human or computer) directing theoperation, a transmitting computer, and/or a receiving computer, andshould be understood to occur within the United States as long as atleast one of these elements resides in the United States.

In an example embodiment, wireless device 300 may perform an operationwith respect to the vehicle 330, such as locking a door of the vehicle330, by transmitting a signal via communication device 348 to causefirst device 301 to control one or more of the vehicle related systems120. This signal or command may be transmitted by wireless device 300 asa default action or in response to a user input. Alternatively, firstdevice 301 may, based at least in part on the determination, perform anoperation with respect to the vehicle 330, such as locking a door,adjusting the heat via heating A/C system 318, etc.

In an example embodiment, the performing operation 430 may includecontroller 312 of first device 301 performing a default action based atleast in part on the determination, e.g., without direct interventionfrom the user 104. First device 301 may also perform non-defaultoperations, e.g., in response to a signal received from wireless device300. For example, the performing operation 430 may include first device301 automatically billing the user's credit card in the case of avehicle rental. In the case of audio and/or video system 316, forexample, the performing operation 430 may include, first device 301turning the radio on to a specific station at a specified volume withspecified audio qualities such as tone, balance, treble, bass, and fade.In the case of heating and/or air conditioning system 318, for example,the performing operation 430 may include first device 301 operating theair conditioning and/or heater to achieve a predetermined interior cabintemperature. In the case of lighting control system 322, for example,the performing operation 430 may include first device 301 turning on oroff the interior and/or exterior lights, dimming the lights after acertain time period, or otherwise providing an interior and/or exteriorlighting scenario that the user 104 desires, e.g., in response to asignal from wireless system 300. In the case of navigation system 324,for example, the performing operation 430 may include first device 301providing directions from a current location to a default or a list ofdefault or commonly traveled locations. In the case of lock system 326,for example, the performing operation 430 may include, first device 301actuating the lock system 326 in order to unlock the doors.

The performing operation 430 may include performing a variety of otherexample operations, e.g., performed by controller 312 of first device301. For example, in the case of ignition system 328, for example, theperforming operation 430 may include, engaging the ignition system. Inthe case of the driver settings system 352, for example, the performingoperation 430 may include automatically moving the seats and/or mirrorsto predetermined desired positions. In the case of security system 320,for example, the performing operation 430 may include automaticallydeactivating the alarm. In the case of communication system 349, forexample, the performing operation 430 may include causing one or morecommunication devices such as cell phones, internet connections, e-mailclients, instant messenger programs, etc., to enter a ready state, tosend and/or receive messages, to establish a connection, or to otherwiseto be prepared to communicate. In the case of ignition system 328, forexample, the performing operation 430 may include activating the motorof the vehicle. In the case of user customization system 350, forexample, the performing operation 430 may include invoking the usercustomizations, which may include changing the interior layout to suitthe user's preference, including, for example, the position of thecontrols, colors, or overall appearance of an LCD, such as display 355,background sounds, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 502.

At the operation 502 a determination is made by the first deviceassociated with the vehicle that the first device is in proximity to thewireless device based on a signal from an image capture device. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 312 in communication device 310of the first device 301 may make a determination that the first device301 is in proximity to the wireless device 300 based on a signal fromimage capture device 371. For example, the signal from image capturedevice 371 may provide to controller 312 a captured image of a detecteduser, of wireless device 300, or other captured image, for example. Theimage capture device 371 may, for example, provide to controller 312 animage of a visual indicia provided on a user or on wireless device 300,etc. The visual indicia may, for example, identify the wireless device300 or may identify a user of wireless device 300. A variety ofdifferent techniques may be used to determine proximity based on acaptured image, such as based on an image of a visual indicia onwireless device 300 or a user, an image of a user of device 300, or animage that may indicate a height or other physical characteristic of auser (e.g., an image providing one or more physical characteristics thatmay indicate to controller 312 that a user of device 300 is anauthorized user).

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 602.

At the operation 602 a determination is made by the first device thatthe first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on areceived wireless signal from the wireless device. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, controller 312 in communication device 310 of first device301 may make a determination that first device 301 is in proximity 106or near the wireless device 300 by wirelessly detecting the wirelessdevice 300 and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFID link, or otherlink or connection with the wireless device 300, for example.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 702, and/or an operation704.

At the operation 702 a touching between the wireless device and thevehicle is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 312in communication device 310 of the first device 301, or controller 160in wireless device 300, may make a determination that the wirelessdevice 300 is touching the vehicle 330 by detecting a contact betweenthe wireless device 300 and vehicle 330, for example. Alternatively, thefirst device 301 may make a determination that it (or vehicle 330) istouching or contacting the wireless device 300 by wirelessly detectingthe wireless device 300 and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFIDlink, or other link or connection with the wireless device 300, forexample.

At the operation 704 a wireless communications link is establishedbetween the first device and the wireless device in response to thedetermining of a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle.For example, a wireless link may be established between communicationdevices 310 and 348. In one example, the RFID tag 308 may become inproximity 106 to antenna 342, typically when the user 104 walks towardthe first device 301. RFID tag 308 may detect an activation signal fromthe antenna 342. The activation signal may “wake up” the RFID tag 308and it transmits the information on its microchip to be received up bythe antenna 342.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 802, and/or an operation804.

At the operation 802 a first device coupled to a vehicle is determinedto be in proximity to a wireless device without the wireless devicetouching the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 312 incommunication device 310 of the first device 301 may make adetermination that the wireless device 300 is in proximity withouttouching the first device 301 by receiving an RFID signal from wirelessdevice 301.

At the operation 804 a wireless communications link between the firstdevice and the wireless device is established in response to thedetermining that a first device coupled to a vehicle is in proximity toa wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle. Forexample, communication device 310 of first device 301 may establish awireless communications link with communication device 348 of wirelessdevice 300. The communications link may operate, for example, as shownin FIG. 3, with respect to the link established between communicationdevices 310 and 348. In another example, the RFID tag 302 becomes inproximity 106 to antenna 338. RFID tag 302 detects an activation signalfrom the antenna 338. The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag 302and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by theantenna 338.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 902.

At the operation 902 a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal isreceived from the wireless device. The RFID signal may be received, forexample, at first device 301 from communication device 348 of wirelessdevice 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag 302 becomes inproximity 106 to antenna 338. RFID tag 302 detects an activation signalfrom the antenna 338. The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag 302,and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by theantenna 338. The same scenario may occur with regard to RFID tag 308 andantenna 342. Also, or in the alternative, both scenarios may occursimultaneously or relatively simultaneously, wherein the wireless device300 and the first device 301 are each using both an RFID reader and anRFID tag at about the same time.

FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1002.

At the operation 1002 the vehicle is controlled to perform a defaultoperation in response to the receiving a radio frequency identification(RFID) signal from the wireless device. For example, in response toreceiving an RFID signal from wireless device 300, controller 312 offirst device 301 may perform a number of operations on vehicle 330, suchas causing all locks of the vehicle to be unlocked by lock system 326.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where thedetermining operation 420 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1102.

At the operation 1102 a signal may be transmitted from the first deviceto the wireless device to cause the wireless device to display a menu ofvehicle operations for the vehicle. In an example embodiment,communication device 310 of first device 301 may transmit a signal towireless device 300 to cause display system 153 of wireless device 300to display a menu of vehicle operations for vehicle 330. The operationsdisplayed on display system 153 may include, for example, operationsthat are capable of being performed on one or more of an informationsystem 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heating and/or airconditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, a navigationsystem 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, a driver settingssystem 352, a security system 320, a communication system 349, and/or auser customization system 350.

FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 12 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1202.

At the operation 1202 a first default operation is performed by thefirst device with respect to the vehicle in response to the making adetermination that the first device associated with the vehicle is inproximity to the wireless device. For example, if the user 104approaches the vehicle, the first device 301 may determine that thefirst device 301 and wireless device 300 are in proximity, and then theuser customization system 350 may be controlled by controller 312 tocause the seats of vehicle 330 to move to a pre-determined positionassociated with the user 104, to cause the mirrors to move toappropriate positions associated with the user 104, and to cause theradio stations associated with the user 104 to be saved as pre-sets inthe radio memory, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1302.

At the operation 1302 a door lock of the vehicle is actuated by thefirst device. In an example embodiment, controller 312 of first system301 may control lock system 326 to actuate a door lock of vehicle 330.For example, as a user 104 with wireless device 300 approaches firstdevice 301 and vehicle 330, the first device 301 may determine that thefirst device 301 and wireless device 300 are in proximity, and thencontroller 312 may actuate or unlock a door lock of vehicle 330.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1402.

At the operation 1402 an ignition system is controlled by the firstdevice based at least in part on the determination. For example, basedon detection of wireless device 300 and first device 301 being inproximity, controller 312 of first system 301 may actuate ignitionsystem 328 to start vehicle 330.

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1502.

At the operation 1502 the vehicle is controlled by the first device toperform an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, alock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audiosystem or a video system for the vehicle based at least in part on thedetermination. For example, controller 312 of first device 301 maycontrol the security system 320 and the lock system 326 to deactivatethe vehicle security system and unlock the vehicle doors, respectively,e.g., when the user 104 approaches the vehicle.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1602.

At the operation 1602 the first device controls the vehicle to performan operation with respect to one or more of a navigation system, aninformation system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, acommunication system, a driver settings system, or a user customizationsystem for the vehicle based at least in part on the determination. Forexample, in response to receiving a signal from wireless device 300,first device 301 may control the lighting control system to bring theinterior cabin lighting to a pre-determined or default lighting setting,or to a setting that the user 104 has previously programmed in.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1702 and/or operation1704.

At the operation 1702 a signal is received at the first device from thewireless device. At operation 1704 the first device performs anoperation with respect to one or more of a security system, a locksystem, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, avideo system, a navigation system, an information system, an ignitionsystem, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driversettings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle inresponse to the receiving a signal at the first device from the wirelessdevice. For example, the first device 301 might receive an RFID signalat RFID reader 306 from RFID tag 302 of the wireless device 300, causingthe first device to control the communication system 349 to establish aninternet connection, send and receive e-mail, or telephone a defaultnumber, for example. In another example, in response to receiving acommand from wireless device 300, the controller 312 of first device 301may control user customization system 350 to move the seats and mirrorsto predetermined positions, change the interior cabin background sounds,change the LCD or other screen's background and digital control layout,etc.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1802.

At the operation 1802 a signal is transmitted from the first device tothe wireless device to cause the wireless device to display informationidentifying an operation that has been performed with respect to thevehicle. For example, after door locks have been locked by lock system326, communication device 310 of first device 301 may send a signal towireless device 300 to cause display system 153 on wireless device 300to display information indicating that door locks on vehicle 330 havebeen locked.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1902.

At the operation 1902 a security system for the vehicle is disabled. Forexample, a determination may be made that the wireless device 300 is inproximity to first device 301 and coming closer to the driver's door ofthe vehicle. In such a case, the controller 312 may control securitysystem 320 to turn off or disable the vehicle alarm, if applicable, andopen the driver's door lock only, although other settings are possible.

FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2002.

At the operation 2002 a first non-default operation with respect to thevehicle is performed by the first device in response to receiving at thefirst device a signal from the wireless device corresponding to a userselection. For example, the user 104 may select an operation on wirelessdevice 300 to “unlock passenger door.” Controller 312 of first device301 may then control lock system 326 to unlock the passenger door lockof vehicle 330 in response to receiving a signal from wireless device300 corresponding to the user selection.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2102.

At the operation 2102 a financial transaction relating to a product orservice is executed by the first device. For example, the first device301 might be configured to operate with one or more service providers,like vehicle rental services, hotels, restaurants, etc. In such a case,the first device 301 may connect to an external source, for exampleusing information system 314 and/or communication system 349 to chargethe user's credit card, bank account, or the like. For example,controller 312 of first device 301 may establish a communications linkto a computer at a gas station and execute the purchase of gasoline forvehicle 330.

FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 22 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2202.

At the operation 2202 a financial transaction relating to the vehicle isexecuted by the first device based on receiving a signal from thewireless device corresponding to a user selection provided at thewireless device. For example, the wireless device 300 might beconfigured to operate with a vehicle rental service and a menu ofseveral potential rental vehicles might be presented to the user on thedisplay system 153. The user 104 may select one of the vehicles from amenu 156 of available vehicles on display system 153, and depending onthe selection, a signal is transmitted from wireless device 300 to firstdevice 301 of the selected vehicle 330 to cause first device 301 toexecute a financial transaction (e.g., the user's credit card is chargedor the user's bank account is debited) in an amount, which representsthe cost of the vehicle selected. In another example, first device 301may execute a financial transaction in response to a user selectioninput to wireless device 300 to purchase gasoline for vehicle 330. Firstdevice 301 may then charge the user's credit card for the purchaseamount in response to a received signal corresponding to the userselection to purchase gasoline.

FIG. 23 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 23 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2302.

At the operation 2302 vehicle-related information is transmitted fromthe first device to the wireless device. For example, vehiclediagnostics, mileage, or other vehicle related information may betransmitted via communication device 310 to wireless device 300.

FIG. 24 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 24 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2402.

At the operation 2402 a trip configuration is received at the firstdevice from the wireless device. For example, the wireless device 300might have a specific trip configuration that the user 104 desires atthat time, including a destination address, preferred stops along theway, estimated time of departure, and various other trip relatedinformation, such as requested audio or video programming for the trip,etc. The trip configuration may be transmitted by wireless device 300and received at first device 301 via communication device 310.

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial view of an example computer programproduct 2500 that includes a computer program 2504 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the examplecomputer program product 2500 is provided using a signal bearing medium2502, and may include at least one of one or more instructions formaking a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle isin proximity to a wireless device, the signal bearing medium alsobearing one or more instructions for transmitting a signal from thefirst device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device todisplay information related to the vehicle, and the signal bearingmedium also bearing one or more instructions for performing an operationwith respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executableand/or logic-implemented instructions. In one implementation, thesignal-bearing medium 2502 may include a computer-readable medium 2506.In one implementation, the signal bearing medium 2502 may include arecordable medium 2508. In one implementation, the signal bearing medium2502 may include a communications medium 2510.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example system 2600 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 2600 includes a computing system environmentthat may include wireless device 300 and first device 301. The system2600 also illustrates the user 104 using the wireless device 300, whichis optionally shown as being in communication with the first device 301by way of a proximity based connection 106. The proximity basedconnection 106 may represent a local, wide-area, or peer-to-peer networkor other wireless link, or may represent a bus that is internal to acomputing device (e.g., in example embodiments in which the computingdevice 2602 is contained in whole or in part within the device 2604). Astorage medium 2608 may be any computer storage media.

The first device 301 may use computer-executable instructions 2610 thatwhen executed on the first device 301 may cause the computing devices tomake a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device, transmit a signal from the first deviceto the wireless device to cause the wireless device to displayinformation related to the vehicle, and perform an operation withrespect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.

In FIG. 26, then, the system 2600 includes at least one computing device(e.g., 2602 and/or 2604). The computer-executable instructions 2610 maybe executed on one or more of the at least one computing device. Forexample, the computing device 2602 may implement the computer-executableinstructions 2610 and output a result to (and/or receive data from) thecomputing device 2604. Since the computing device 2602 may be wholly orpartially contained within the computing device 2604, the computingdevice 2604 also may be said to execute some or all of thecomputer-executable instructions 2610, in order to be caused to performor implement, for example, various ones of the techniques describedherein, or other techniques.

The wireless device 300 may include, for example, one or more of apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet personalcomputer, a networked computer, a computing system comprised of acluster of processors, a workstation computer, a cellular phone, asmartcard, a remote control, a vehicle key unit, and/or a desktopcomputer. In another example embodiment, the wireless device 300 may beoperable to communicate with the first device 301 to communicate with adatabase (e.g., implemented using the storage medium 2608) to access theat least one dataset and/or to access the second dataset.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, a RAM, aflash memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digitaland/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, awaveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link,etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such describeddevices and/or processes into data processing systems. That is, at leasta portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a data processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that atypical data processing system generally includes one or more of asystem unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatileand non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or controlsystems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback forsensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/oradjusting components and/or quantities). A typical data processingsystem may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially availablecomponents, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two componentsso associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.Any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed asbeing “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as disclosed herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the embodiments of the invention.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from this subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of this subject matter describedherein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solelydefined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those withinthe art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in theappended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generallyintended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” shouldbe interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should beinterpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will befurther understood by those within the art that if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will beexplicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitationno such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that any disjunctive word and/orphrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

1. A method comprising: (a) making a determination, via a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, wherein the making a determination that the first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device includes making a determination by the first device associated with the vehicle that the first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on a signal from an image capture device; (b) transmitting, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle; and (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 2. A system comprising: a computing device having memory; a transceiver coupled to the memory, the transceiver configured to respond to one or more instructions; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium holding the one or more instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to: (a) make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device; (b) transmit via the transceiver a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle; and (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination, wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to perform the operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable execution of a financial transaction relating to the vehicle based at least in part on receiving via the transceiver a signal from the wireless device.
 3. A method comprising: (a) making a determination, by a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device is in proximity to a wireless device; (b) transmitting, by the first device, a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle; and (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination, wherein the performing an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination comprises: (i) executing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, a financial transaction relating to the vehicle based on receiving a signal from the wireless device corresponding to a user selection provided at the wireless device.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the (a) making a determination, by a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device is in proximity to a wireless device further comprises: (i) determining of a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle; and (ii) establishing a wireless communications link between the first device and the wireless device in response to the determining of the touching between the wireless device and the vehicle.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein the (a) making a determination, by a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device is in proximity to a wireless device further comprises: (i) receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the wireless device.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination comprises: (i) controlling the vehicle to perform a default operation in response to the receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the wireless device.
 7. The method of claim 3 wherein the (b) transmitting, by the first device, a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle further comprises: (i)transmitting a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle.
 8. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) performing via the first device interacting with the wireless device a first default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to the making the determination that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device.
 9. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) controlling, via the first device, an ignition system on the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 10. The method of claim 3 wherein the (b) transmitting, by the first device, a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle further comprises: (i) transmitting a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information identifying an operation that has been performed with respect to the vehicle.
 11. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) disabling a security system for the vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, a first non-default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to receiving at the first device a signal from the wireless device corresponding to a user selection.
 13. The method of claim 3 wherein the (a) making a determination, by a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device is in proximity to a wireless device, further comprises: (i) making a determination, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, that the first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on a received wireless signal from the wireless device.
 14. The method of claim 3 wherein the (a) making a determination, by a first device associated with a vehicle, that the first device is in proximity to a wireless device, further comprises: (i) determining that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle; and (ii) establishing a wireless communications link between the first device and the wireless device in response to the determining that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle.
 15. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination: (i) enables actuating via the first device a door lock of the vehicle.
 16. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination: (i) enables the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system or a video system for the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 17. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination: (i) enables the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a navigation system, an information system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 18. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via a first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination enables: (i) receiving a signal at the first device from the wireless device; and (ii) performing an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, a video system, a navigation system, an information system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle in response to the receiving the signal at the first device from the wireless device.
 19. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via a first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) executing a financial transaction relating to a product or service.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the (i) executing a financial transaction relating to a product or service further comprises: (1) executing a vehicle rental transaction.
 21. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via a first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) transmitting vehicle-related information from the first device to the wireless device.
 22. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (a) make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device further include: (i) instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to make a determination that the first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on a received wireless signal from the wireless device.
 23. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (a) make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device further include: (i) instructions that enable the computing device to make a determination that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle; and (j) instructions that enable the computing device to establish a wireless communications link between the first device and the wireless device in response to the determination that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle.
 24. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable actuating a door lock of the vehicle.
 25. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system or a video system for the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 26. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the vehicle to perform an operation with respect to one or more of a navigation system, an information system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 27. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable receipt of a signal at the first device from the wireless device; and (ii) instructions that enable performance of an operation with respect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, a video system, a navigation system, an information system, an ignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, a driver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehicle.
 28. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable execution of a financial transaction relating to a product or service.
 29. The system of claim 28 wherein the (i) instructions that enable execution of a financial transaction relating to a product or service further include: (1) instructions that enable execution of a vehicle rental transaction.
 30. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform the operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i)instructions that enable the computing device to receive a trip configuration from the wireless device.
 31. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform the operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the computing device to make a determination of a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle; and (ii) instructions that enable the computing device to establish a wireless communications link between the first device and the wireless device in response to the determination of the touching between the wireless device and the vehicle.
 32. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform the operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the first device to receive a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the wireless device.
 33. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform the operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable control of the vehicle to perform a default operation in response to a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal from the wireless device.
 34. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (b) transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle further include: (i) instructions that enable a transmission of a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle.
 35. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the computing device to perform a first default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to the making the determination that the first device associated with the vehicle is in proximity to the wireless device.
 36. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that enable the computing device to control an ignition system on the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
 37. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (b) transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle further include: (i) instructions that enable the first device to transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to enable the wireless device to display information identifying an operation that has been performed with respect to the vehicle.
 38. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to disable a security system for the vehicle.
 39. The system of claim 2 wherein the instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further include: (i) instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to perform a first non-default operation with respect to the vehicle in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a user selection.
 40. The system of claim 2 wherein instructions that when executed on the computing device enable the computing device to (c) perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination, further include: (i) instructions that enable transmission of vehicle-related information from the first device to the wireless device.
 41. The method of claim 3 wherein the (c) performing, via the first device interacting with the wireless device, an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination further comprises: (i) receiving, at the first device, a trip configuration from the wireless device. 